Transformable construction toy

ABSTRACT

A toy construction set includes a plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces, the pieces being connectable to build a toy that reversibly transforms between a first toy form and a second toy form, the first toy form defining a longitudinal axis in a first plane and the second toy form defining a longitudinal axis in a second plane that has a surface normal that is different from a surface normal of the first plane; and a bidirectional transformation module. The bidirectional transformation module includes a body defining a first connector and a second connector, the first connector coupled to a first piece included in the plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces, and the second connector coupled to a second piece included in the plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces; and a flexible portion between the first and second connectors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/835,558, filed on Jun. 15, 2013 and titled TRANSFORMABLE CONSTRUCTIONTOY, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a transformable construction toy.

BACKGROUND

Children enjoy playing and interacting with toys and building elements.Toy construction sets are made up of a plurality of building elements ortoy construction pieces, which interconnect with each other to form anassembled toy.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, a toy construction set includes a plurality ofinterconnecting toy construction pieces, the pieces being connectable tobuild a toy that reversibly transforms between a first toy form and asecond toy form, the first toy form defining a longitudinal axis in afirst plane and the second toy form defining a longitudinal axis in asecond plane that has a surface normal that is different from a surfacenormal of the first plane; and a bidirectional transformation module.The bidirectional transformation module includes a body defining a firstconnector and a second connector, the first connector coupled to a firstpiece included in the plurality of interconnecting toy constructionpieces, and the second connector coupled to a second piece included inthe plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces; and a flexibleportion between the first and second connectors. The transformationmodule is movable between a first position and a second position, andthe transformation module holds the toy in the first toy form when inthe first position and holds the toy in the second toy form when in thesecond position.

Other implementations can include the following features.

The first toy form can be a vehicle, the second toy form can be ahuman-like figure, and the surface normal of the first plane can beperpendicular to the surface normal of the second plane.

The flexible portion can be a spring.

The toy can reversibly transform between the first toy form and thesecond toy form without disconnecting any of the plurality ofinterconnecting pieces from each other.

The first connector of the transformation module can be releasablycoupled to the first piece, and the second connector of thetransformation module can be releasably coupled to the second piece.

The first and second positions can be the only positions in which thetransformation module holds the toy.

When moved from the first position to the second position, the flexibleportion of the bidirectional transformation module can apply a forcethat has at least a component along a direction toward the firstposition, and when moved from the second position to the first position,the flexible portion of the bidirectional transformation module canapply a force that has at least a component along a direction that istoward the second position.

The surface normal of the first plane can be perpendicular to thesurface normal of the second plane.

The first connector of the bidirectional transformation module can beconnected to the first piece included in the plurality ofinterconnecting toy construction pieces at a connection point, and, tomove between the first position and the second position, thetransformation module can rotate about the connection point. The secondpiece can define a graspable portion that receives force, and thetransformation module can move between the first and second position inresponse to the received force. The first and second connectors of thebidirectional transformation module can connect to the first and secondpieces, respectively, with a snap connection. The snap connection can bea c-clip connected to a corresponding axel.

The flexible portion can be at least partially enclosed in the body.

The body can be cylindrical, and the first and second connectors can bec-clips that connect to corresponding axels on the first and secondpieces, respectively.

A piece that does not include a transformation module also can connectthe first and second toy construction pieces.

The plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces can connect toeach other with a snap connection. The snap connection can be one ormore of a ball-and-socket connection and a c-clip connection.

At least some of the plurality of toy construction pieces can beconnectable at articulating joints.

In another general aspect, a toy construction set includes a pluralityof interconnecting toy construction pieces including at least a firstpiece, a second piece that defines an articulating joint, and a thirdpiece connected to the articulating joint by a snap connection, theplurality of toy construction pieces connected as a toy that reversiblytransforms between a first toy form and a second toy form withoutdisconnecting any of the pieces; and a bidirectional transformationmodule. The bidirectional transformation module is movable between afirst position and a second position, and the module includes a bodydefining a first connector and a second connector, the first connectorcoupled to the first piece included in the plurality of interconnectingpieces, and the second connector coupled to the second piece included inthe plurality of interconnecting pieces; and a flexible portion betweenthe first and second connectors. The toy is configured to be held in thefirst form when the bidirectional transformation module is in the firstposition, the toy is configured to be held in the second form when thebidirectional transformation module is in the second position, andmovement of the transformation module from the first position to thesecond position moves the first and second pieces relative to each otherto allow the third piece to rotate about the articulating joint suchthat the third piece extends in a different direction in the second toyform than in the first toy form.

Implementations can include the following feature.

In the second toy form, the third piece can extend from the second piecein a direction that is opposite from the direction that the third pieceextends from the second piece in the first toy form.

In another general aspect, a method of transforming a toy constructedfrom a plurality of interconnected construction pieces from a first toyform to a second toy form includes connecting a transformation modulethat is movable between first and second positions to a first toyconstruction piece and a second toy construction piece; assembling a toyby connecting at least one other toy construction piece to the first toyconstruction piece and at least one other toy construction piece to thesecond toy construction piece; arranging the constructed toy into afirst toy form, the first toy form defining a longitudinal axis that isparallel to a first plane; holding the constructed toy in the first toyform with the transformation module in the first position; applyingforce to the second construction piece to move the transformation moduleto the second position; and moving at least one other construction pieceabout a connection without disconnecting any of the toy constructionpieces from the assembled toy to transform the connected constructionpieces into the second toy form.

Implementations can include one or more of the following features.

The second toy construction piece can define a graspable portion, andthe method can also include applying force to the graspable portion ofthe second construction piece to move the transformation module to thefirst position; and moving at least one other construction piece about aconnection without removing any of the toy construction pieces from theassembled toy to transform the connected construction pieces into thefirst toy form.

Moving at least one other toy construction piece about a joint caninclude rotating the at least one other toy construction piece about thejoint.

In another general aspect, a toy construction set includes a pluralityof temporarily and repeatably interconnectable toy construction pieces,the pieces being connectable to build a toy that reversibly transformsbetween a first toy form and a second toy form, the first toy formdefining a longitudinal axis in a first plane and the second toy formdefining a longitudinal axis in a second plane that has a surface normalthat is different from a surface normal of the first plane; and abidirectional transformation module having a plurality of connectorsconfigured to be temporarily and repeatably coupled to one or more ofthe toy construction pieces. The transformation module is movablebetween a first stable equilibrium position and a second stableequilibrium position through an unstable equilibrium position such thatthe transformation module holds the toy in the first toy form when inthe first stable equilibrium position and holds the toy in the secondtoy form when in the second stable equilibrium position.

Implementations of any of the techniques described above can include atransformation module for use in an existing transformable toy, a toyconstruction piece, a set of two or more toy construction piecespackaged together with or without other toy construction pieces or atransformation module, a toy assembly that transforms from a first toyform into a second toy form and back again, a kit for a toy assemblythat includes a transformation module, a toy construction set or system,a system that includes a toy assembly, a device, and/or a method orprocess for using a toy assembly.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will beapparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a plan view of an exemplary transformable toy in a first toyform.

FIG. 1B is a plan view of the transformable toy of FIG. 1A in a secondtoy form.

FIGS. 2A-2C are block diagrams of an exemplary transformation modulethat moves between a first position (FIG. 2A) and a second position(FIG. 2C) through an unstable position (FIG. 2B).

FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary transformationmodule.

FIG. 3B is an exemplary faceted rod.

FIG. 3C is an exemplary faceted c-clip that connects to the rod of FIG.3B.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary transformable toy in afirst toy form.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the transformable toy of FIG. 4A with ashifted torso.

FIGS. 5A-5E is a series of side-perspective views of a transformationmodule of the transformable toy of FIG. 4A moving from a first positionto a second position.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for transforming a toyfrom a first toy form to a second toy form.

FIG. 7A is a side view of another exemplary transformable toy in a firsttoy form.

FIG. 7B is a front view of the transformable toy of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a front perspective view of the transformable toy of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D is a back perspective view of the transformable toy of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a top view of the transformable toy of FIG. 7A in a secondtoy form.

FIG. 8B is a front view of the transformable toy of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a side view of the transformable toy of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is a side-perspective view of transformable toy of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8E is a side-perspective view of the transformable toy of FIG. 8A.

DESCRIPTION

A transformation module for a transformable construction toy isdisclosed. The transformation module assists in transforming the toyfrom a first toy form or play mode into a second toy form or play mode,and vice versa. The transformable construction toy is a toy constructionset that is assembled from a plurality of toy construction pieces, whichcan connect with each other temporarily and repeatably. Thetransformable toy transforms or converts between two or more toy formsor play modes. The toy forms are visually, functionally, and/orgeometrically distinct from each other. The toy forms can extend alongdifferent directions and occupy different volumes of space. For example,a toy form can be a character, a human-like form, an animal-like form, arobot, a type of object, a vehicle, or a machine. Thus, thetransformable toy can transform from, for example, a robot or ahuman-like action figure into a car or plane.

The disclosed transformation module is connected to two of the toyconstruction pieces and assists a user of the transformable toy withtransforming the toy from the first toy form into the second toy form.The transformation module slides, shifts, switches, or otherwise movesbetween two stable equilibrium positions and through an unstableequilibrium position. In the first stable position, the transformationmodule holds the transformable toy in the first toy form. In the secondstable position, the transformation module holds the transformable toyin the second toy form. And, when the transformation module is displacedor disturbed from the first stable equilibrium position, it will returnback to the first stable equilibrium position as long as thedisplacement or disturbance does not take it through the unstableequilibrium position. The transformation module allows the user tosmoothly transform the transformable toy from the first toy form to thesecond toy form, and vice versa, without disconnecting or otherwiseremoving any of the toy construction pieces from the assembled toy. Inother words, once assembled from the toy construction pieces, thetransformable toy can transform and repeatedly retransform without beingdisassembled.

Moving the transformation module from the first position to the secondposition shifts the relative locations of the two toy constructionpieces that are connected to the transformation module. This relativemovement also can assist in the transformation by providing space forother toy construction pieces to move about their respective connectionpoints so the toy construction pieces can be positioned in differentorientations to form the second toy form.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a plan view of an exemplary transformabletoy 100 is shown. The transformation of the toy 100 from a first toyform 100A (FIG. 1A) to a second toy form 100B (FIG. 1B) changes the toyvisually (from an action figure to a vehicle) and geometrically (from anobject that extends vertically to one that extends horizontally). Noneof the toy construction pieces that form the toy 100 are disconnected totransform from the first toy form 100A to the second toy form 100B orvice versa. The toy 100 is assembled by connecting toy constructionpieces to each other to form a toy. The toy construction pieces connectto each other at articulating joints.

FIG. 1A shows the toy in the first toy form 100A. In this example, thefirst toy form 100A is a human-like figure or robot that has alongitudinal axis 105 in a vertical plane. In the first toy form, thetransformable toy 100 nominally stands upright, occupying a volume thatextends in the vertical direction.

FIG. 1B shows the toy 100 in the second toy form 100B. In the second toyform 100B, the toy 100 is a vehicle. The vehicle rests and moves along anon-vertical surface, nominally extending along a horizontal direction.The vehicle defines a longitudinal axis 110 that is in a plane that isdifferent from the plane that contains the axis 105. In this example,the axis 105 of the first toy form 100A is perpendicular to the axis 110of the second toy form 100B.

The toy 100 includes a plurality of toy construction pieces, such as atorso plate 115, wheels 118, flat bottom pieces 120, an ornament 122,structures 124, and shields 126. The toy construction pieces areconnected to each other at articulating joints. The articulating jointscan be snap fit connections, such as ball-and-socket connections orc-clips that snap over corresponding rods. The assembled toy 100 caninclude both ball-and-socket connections and c-clip connections.Furthermore, the articulating joints can have a geometric feature tohold two toy construction pieces that are connected at an articulatingjoint in a fixed relationship. For example, the c-clip and rod can befaceted (FIGS. 6A and B) to provide additional friction between thec-clip and the corresponding rod. The geometric feature can be separatefrom the articulating joint.

The toy construction pieces can be used differently in the different toyforms 100A and 100B. For example, the flat bottom pieces 120 are feet inthe toy form 100A and a bumper in the toy form 100B. The structures 124are leg-like elements in the toy form 100A and horizontal supportelements in the toy form 100B. The toy 100 also includes atransformation module, similar to the modules described below and shownin FIGS. 2A-2C, 3, and 5A-5E.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, a transformation module 230 is shown movingfrom a first position 202 (FIG. 2A) to a second position 204 (FIG. 2C).The transformation module 230 is a bidirectional transformation modulebecause it can move from the first position 202 to the second position204, and from the second position 204 to the first position 202.

The transformation module 230 includes a body 232 that definesconnectors 234, 235 on either end of the body 232. The connector 234connects to a first toy construction piece 236 and the connector 235connects to a second toy construction piece 237. The body 232 partiallyor completely encloses an elastic portion 233. The elastic portion 233provides tension as the transformation module 230 moves from the firstposition 202 to the second position 204 and as the transformation module230 moves from the second position 204 to the first position 202. Theelastic portion 233 helps to maintain the transformation module 230 inthe first or the second position. Further, when force is applied to thetoy construction piece 237, the elastic portion 233 pushes thetransformation module from the first position 202 to the second position204, or vice versa.

The toy construction pieces 236 and 237 are part of a largertransformable toy, such as the toy 100, and the pieces 236 and 237 canbe any toy construction piece from the assembled toy. For example, thefirst toy construction piece 236 can be the torso plate 115 of FIG. 1A.The connector 234 can connect to a portion on the back of the torsoplate 115. The second toy construction piece 237 can be a constructionpiece that defines a joint 238 where a third toy construction piece 239connects with a snap connection. The third toy construction piece 239can be, for example, the structure 124 of FIG. 1A.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the transformation module 230 is in the firstposition 202. A force “F” is applied to the toy construction piece 237to move the toy construction piece 237 relative to the toy constructionpiece 236. Referring also to FIG. 2B, in response to the force “F,” thetoy construction piece 237 moves along an arc “A” and the transformationmodule 230 rotates about the connection point between the connector 235and the first toy construction piece 236. As the transformation module230 moves toward the midpoint 240 of the arc “A,” the elastic portion233 expands longitudinally, gaining potential energy. After thetransformation module 230 passes the midpoint 240, the elastic portion233 begins to contract, pulling the toy construction piece 237 towardthe second position 204. Referring also to FIG. 2C, the transformationmodule 230 is urged into the second position 204 by the contractingelastic portion 233 and is held stably at the second position 204 untila force acts on either or both of the toy construction piece 236, 237.

Accordingly, the transformation module 230 assists in moving the toyconstruction pieces 236, 237 relative to each other as thetransformation module 230 moves back and forth between the positions 202and 204. In some implementations, the positions 202 and 204 are the onlystable positions of the transformation module 230. That is, when thetransformation module 230 is in a position other than the position 202or 204, the module 230 does not hold the toy construction piece 236 and237 in a fixed spatial relationship. The toy construction pieces 236 and237 are held in a fixed spatial relationship when the transformationmodule 230 is in the first position 202 or the second position 204.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a side cross-sectional view of another exemplarytransformation module 330 is shown. The transformation module 330 issimilar to a piston. The transformation module 330 includes a body 332,a spring 333, a connector 334, and a connector 335. The body 332encloses the spring 333. The connectors 334 and 335 are used to connectthe transformation module 330 to two toy construction pieces. In theexample shown, the connectors 334 and 335 are c-clips. The c-clips 334and 335 have inner walls 342 and 343, respectively, each of whichreceives and holds a rod. Although the c-clip holds the rod, the c-clipand rod can rotate relative to each other when force is applied to thec-clip and/or the rod. In the example of FIG. 3A, the inner walls 342and 343 are smooth.

Referring to FIGS. 3B and 3C, an example of a faceted rod (FIG. 3B) thatis received and held by a faceted c-clip (FIG. 3C) is shown. A rod 350defines facets 352 on a surface 354. The rod 350 is received in afaceted opening 362 that is defined by a c-clip 360. The c-clip 360defines facets 364 on a surface 366. The c-clip 360 also defines a gap368 at the midpoint of an arc defined by the surface 366. The gap 368can provide for additional play and can help the rod 350 be received inthe opening 362 without damaging the c-clip 360.

The c-clip 360 can be used as one or more of the connectors 334 and 335on the transformation module 330, or on the toy construction pieces thatconnect to each other with c-clips. In these implementations, the rodsthat connect to the c-clips can have corresponding facets, similar tothose of the rod 350. The presence of the facets provides a temporarylock in position between the elements held by the rod 350 and the c-clip360, allowing the elements that are connected by the rod 350 and thec-clip 360 to be held in a fixed spatial relationship to each other.Movement of the rod 350 relative to the c-clip 360 makes a click-likesound that can increase play value.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, another exemplary transformable toy 400 isshown. FIG. 4A shows the transformable toy 100 in a first toy form, witha transformation module 430 (shown in FIGS. 5A-5E) connected between atorso toy construction piece 436 and a second toy construction piece437. FIG. 4B shows the transformable toy 100 after the process oftransforming to a second toy form has begun and the transformationmodule 430 is in the second position. Placing the transformation module430 in the second position (FIG. 4B) causes the torso toy constructionpiece 436 to shift downward relative to the position of the torso toyconstruction piece 436 when the transformation module is in the firstposition (FIG. 4A). The movement of the transformation module 430 to thesecond position also causes the second toy construction piece 437 tomove relatively upward.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, the movement of the transformation module 430from the first position to the second position is shown. FIGS. 5A-5Eshow a series of side perspective views of the transformable toy 400.Referring to FIG. 5A, the transformation module 430 is in the firstposition. The transformation module 430 is connected between the torsotoy construction piece 436 and the second toy construction piece 437,with the connection 435 of the transformation module 350 connecting tothe toy construction piece 437. In this example, in addition to thetransformation module 430 connecting the torso 436 and the second 437toy construction pieces, struts 448 also connect the torso 436 and thesecond 437 toy construction prices. The second toy construction piece437 defines a graspable portion 445. A user can grip or otherwisemanipulate the graspable portion 445 to apply force to the second toyconstruction piece 437 to initiate movement of the transformation module430 from the first position to the second position.

Referring to FIG. 5B, a user manipulates the graspable portion 445 tobegin the movement of the transformation module 430. Referring to FIGS.5C and 5D, the user continues to manipulate the graspable portion 445 tomove the transformation module 430 toward the second position. Referringto FIG. 5E, the transformation module 530 is in the second position.

Referring to FIG. 6, a flow chart for an exemplary procedure 600 isshown. The procedure 600 is used to transform a toy that is constructedfrom a plurality of interconnected toy construction pieces from a firsttoy form to a second toy form. The first toy form can be, for example, ahuman-like figure or a robot, and the second toy form can be, forexample, a vehicle, such as a car or a plane. The procedure 600 can beperformed on the transformable toy 100 or 400 discussed above. Theprocedure 600 can also be performed on transformable toys that aresimilar to the toys 100 and 400. The procedure 600 is discussed withreference to the transformable toy 400.

The transformation module 430 is connected to the torso toy constructionpiece 436 and the second toy construction piece 437 (605). Onceconnected, the transformation module 430 is between the torso toyconstruction piece 436 and the second toy construction piece 437. Thetransformation module 430 is movable between a first position (FIG. 5A)and a second position (FIG. 5E).

A toy is assembled by connecting at least one other toy constructionpiece to the torso toy construction piece 436 and/or the second toyconstruction piece 437 (610). For example, a thigh piece 424 (FIG. 4A)can be connected to the second construction piece 437. The toy isarranged into a first toy form (615). For example, the toy can bearranged into a human-like figure, such as shown in FIG. 4A. To placethe toy into the first toy form, the toy construction pieces arearranged as a human figure. For example, the thigh piece 424 is rotatedabout the ball-and-socket joint 438 to extend in the “d” direction (FIG.4A) from the second toy construction piece 437. In this orientation, thethigh piece 424 functions as part of a leg.

The toy is held in the first toy form by moving the transformationmodule 430 into the first position (620). If the transformation module430 is already in the first position, then the toy is held in the firsttoy form by keeping the transformation module 430 in the first position.Similar to the transformation module 230 discussed above with respect toFIG. 2A-2C, the transformation module 430 can have two stable positions.One of the stable positions can be the first position shown in FIG. 5A,and the other stable position can be the second position shown in FIG.5E. When the transformation module 430 is in a stable position, it holdsthe torso toy construction piece 436 and the second toy constructionpiece 437 relative to each other in a fixed spatial relationship. Thus,by moving the transformation module 430 to the first or second position,or by keeping or maintaining the transformation module 430 in the firstor second position, the torso toy construction piece 436 and the secondtoy construction piece 437 are held in a fixed spatial relationship.

A force is applied to the second construction piece 437 to move thetransformation module 430 to the second position (625). The force can beapplied to the graspable portion 445 of the second construction piece437. The force is a force that is sufficient to overcome the resistanceof an elastic portion in the transformation module so that thetransformation module 430 moves away from the first position and towardthe second position. The relative movement of the torso toy constructionpiece 436 and the second toy construction piece 437 creates space forthe thigh piece 424 to rotate and extend in a different direction.

The toy is transformed into the second toy form (630). The second toyform of the toy shown in FIG. 4A can a vehicle. To transform the toyinto the second toy form, at least one other construction piece is movedabout a connection without disconnecting any of the toy constructionpieces from the assembled toy. For example, the thigh piece 424 can berotated about the joint 438 so that the thigh piece 424 (and the lowerleg pieces connected to the thigh piece) extend in a direction that isdifferent, for example, opposite, to the direction “d” that the thighpiece 424 extends when the toy 400 is in the first toy form. After thethigh piece 424 is rotated about the joint 438, the thigh piece can beused as a different element in the second toy form. For example, thesecond toy form of the toy 400 can be a vehicle, and the thigh piece 424can be a horizontal support for the vehicle, similar to the use of thethigh piece 124 in the second toy form of the toy 100 (FIG. 1B).

The process 600 can be performed, partially or completely, in reverse totransform the toy from the second toy form to the first toy form. Inthis manner, the toy is reversibly transformable. In someimplementations, one or more of the toy construction pieces are movedabout their respective connections to the other toy construction piecesbefore force is applied to move the transformation module (625). This isbecause, when in a toy form, the transformation module 430 can beobscured by one or more of the toy construction pieces. Thus, theinitial moving of other toy construction pieces can allow the user toaccess and move the transformation module.

Referring to FIG. 7A-7D, another exemplary transformable toy 700 isshown in a first toy form 700A. The toy 700 reversibly transformsbetween the first toy form 700A and a second toy form 700B (FIGS.8A-8E). FIG. 7A shows the transformable toy 700 in the first toy form700A from the side, FIG. 7B shows the transformable toy 700 in the firsttoy form 700A from the front, FIG. 7C is a front perspective view of thetransformable toy 700 in the first toy form 700A, and FIG. 7D is a backperspective view of the transformable toy 700 in the first toy form700A. FIGS. 8A-8E show views of the toy 700 in the second toy form 700B.For the toy 700, the first toy form 700A is a human-like form or arobot. The second toy form 700B is a vehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7D, the toy 700 is assembled from a plurality oftoy construction pieces that are connected to each other. The toyconstruction pieces include a torso plate 715, wheels 718, flat bottompieces 720, an ornament 722, and a thigh piece 724. In the first toyform 700A, the flat bottom pieces 720 function as feet and the ornament722 functions as a weapon. The toy construction pieces are connectedtogether with ball and socket joints and/or c-clips that couple tocorresponding axels. The toy 700 includes a transformation module with aconnector 735. The connector 735 connects to a toy construction piece737 that defines a graspable portion 745. Applying force to thegraspable portion 745 causes the transformation module to move from afirst position to a second position and vice versa.

Moving the transformation module from the first position to the secondposition moves the torso plate 715 relative to the graspable portion745. The torso piece 715 shifts downward in the direction “d” (FIG. 7A).Because the second position of the transformation module is stable, thetransformation module holds the torso plate 715 in a fixed positionrelative to the toy construction piece 737 and the graspable portion745. Moving the torso piece 715 in this manner provides room for thethigh piece 724 and the flat-bottom pieces 720 to rotate about the joint738 that connects the thigh piece 724 to the toy construction piece 737.The thigh piece 724 and the flat-bottom piece 720 are rotated andpositioned along a direction that is opposite to the direction “d.”Additional toy construction pieces are also moved relative to theirconnection points until the second toy form is generated. None of thetoy construction pieces need to be removed or disconnected for the toyto transform from the first toy form to the second toy form.

Referring to FIG. 8A-8E, the toy 700 in the second toy form 700B isshown. The second toy form 700B is a vehicle. FIG. 8A shows the toy 700in the second toy form 700B from above. FIG. 8B shows the toy 700 fromthe front, and FIG. 8C shows the toy 700 from the side. FIG. 8D is aside-front perspective view of the toy 700, and FIG. 8E is a side-backperspective view of the toy 700. As compared to the first toy form 700A,the second toy form 700B has a different visual appearance and geometricarrangement. Additionally, the first and second toy forms 700A, 700Bdefine longitudinal axes and occupy volumes that are in differentplanes. The first toy form 700A has a longitudinal axis in a verticalplane, and the second toy form 700B has a longitudinal axis in ahorizontal plane. Further, the toy construction pieces that form the toy700 have different functions in the second toy form 700B than in thefirst toy form 700A. For example, the flat-bottom pieces connect to eachother at a non-articulating joint 755 to form a bumper for the vehicleof the second toy form 700B.

Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

For example, the transformation module 430 can be connected between anytwo of the toy construction pieces in the transformable toy 400. Thefirst toy form or the second toy form can be a form that resembles ananimal or a building. To move the transformation module 230 or 430 fromthe first position to the second position, or vice versa, force can beapplied to the first or second toy construction piece.

The transformation module 230 can be movable between more than twostable equilibrium positions.

The toy construction pieces can connect at connections that are notarticulating joints. For example, the toy construction pieces canconnect with a post that is received in a corresponding recess and heldin frictional engagement but does not articulate. The toy constructionpieces can connect at articulating joints other than ball-and-socket andc-clip joints. For example, the toy construction pieces can connect bypost and corresponding recesses.

What is claimed is:
 1. A toy construction set comprising: a plurality ofinterconnecting toy construction pieces, the pieces being connectable tobuild a toy that reversibly transforms between a first toy form and asecond toy form, the first toy form defining a longitudinal axis in afirst plane and the second toy form defining a longitudinal axis in asecond plane that has a surface normal that is different from a surfacenormal of the first plane; and a bidirectional transformation modulecomprising: a body defining a first connector and a second connector,the first connector coupled to a first piece included in the pluralityof interconnecting toy construction pieces, and the second connectorcoupled to a second piece included in the plurality of interconnectingtoy construction pieces; and a flexible portion between the first andsecond connectors, wherein the transformation module is movable betweena first position and a second position, and the transformation moduleholds the toy in the first toy form when in the first position and holdsthe toy in the second toy form when in the second position.
 2. The toyconstruction set of claim 1, wherein the first toy form comprises avehicle, the second toy form comprises a human-like figure, and thesurface normal of the first plane is perpendicular to the surface normalof the second plane.
 3. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein theflexible portion comprises a spring.
 4. The toy construction set ofclaim 1, wherein the toy reversibly transforms between the first toyform and the second toy form without disconnecting any of the pluralityof interconnecting pieces from each other.
 5. The toy construction setof claim 1, wherein the first connector of the transformation module isreleasably coupled to the first piece, and the second connector of thetransformation module is releasably coupled to the second piece.
 6. Thetoy construction set of claim 1, wherein the first and second positionsare the only positions in which the transformation module holds the toy.7. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein, when moved from thefirst position to the second position, the flexible portion of thebidirectional transformation module applies a force that has at least acomponent along a direction toward the first position, and when movedfrom the second position to the first position, the flexible portion ofthe bidirectional transformation module applies a force that has atleast a component along a direction that is toward the second position.8. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein the surface normal ofthe first plane is perpendicular to the surface normal of the secondplane.
 9. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein the firstconnector of the bidirectional transformation module is connected to thefirst piece included in the plurality of interconnecting toyconstruction pieces at a connection point, and, to move between thefirst position and the second position, the transformation modulerotates about the connection point.
 10. The toy construction set ofclaim 9, wherein the second piece defines a graspable portion thatreceives force, and the transformation module to moves between the firstand second position in response to the received force.
 11. The toyconstruction set of claim 10, wherein the first and second connectors ofthe bidirectional transformation module connect to the first and secondpieces, respectively, with a snap connection.
 12. The toy constructionset of claim 11, wherein the snap connection is a c-clip connected to acorresponding axel.
 13. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein theflexible portion is at least partially enclosed in the body.
 14. The toyconstruction set of claim 1, wherein the body is cylindrical, and thefirst and second connectors are c-clips that connect to correspondingaxels on the first and second pieces, respectively.
 15. The toyconstruction set of claim 1, wherein a piece that does not include atransformation module also connects the first and second toyconstruction pieces.
 16. The toy construction set of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces connect to eachother with a snap connection.
 17. The toy construction set of claim 16,wherein the snap connection is one or more of a ball-and-socketconnection and a c-clip connection.
 18. The toy construction set ofclaim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of toy constructionpieces are connectable at articulating joints.
 19. A toy constructionset comprising: a plurality of interconnecting toy construction piecescomprising at least a first piece, a second piece that defines anarticulating joint, and a third piece connected to the articulatingjoint by a snap connection, the plurality of toy construction piecesconnected as a toy that reversibly transforms between a first toy formand a second toy form without disconnecting any of the pieces; and abidirectional transformation module movable between a first position anda second position, the module comprising: a body defining a firstconnector and a second connector, the first connector coupled to thefirst piece included in the plurality of interconnecting pieces, and thesecond connector coupled to the second piece included in the pluralityof interconnecting pieces; and a flexible portion between the first andsecond connectors, wherein the toy is configured to be held in the firstform when the bidirectional transformation module is in the firstposition, the toy is configured to be held in the second form when thebidirectional transformation module is in the second position, andmovement of the transformation module from the first position to thesecond position moves the first and second pieces relative to each otherto allow the third piece to rotate about the articulating joint suchthat the third piece extends in a different direction in the second toyform than in the first toy form.
 20. The toy construction set of claim19, wherein, in the second toy form, the third piece extends from thesecond piece in a direction that is opposite from the direction that thethird piece extends from the second piece in the first toy form.
 21. Amethod of transforming a toy constructed from a plurality ofinterconnected construction pieces from a first toy form to a second toyform, the method comprising: connecting a transformation module that ismovable between first and second positions to a first toy constructionpiece and a second toy construction piece; assembling a toy byconnecting at least one other toy construction piece to the first toyconstruction piece and at least one other toy construction piece to thesecond toy construction piece; arranging the constructed toy into afirst toy form, the first toy form defining a longitudinal axis that isparallel to a first plane; holding the constructed toy in the first toyform with the transformation module in the first position; applyingforce to the second construction piece to move the transformation moduleto the second position; and moving at least one other construction pieceabout a connection without disconnecting any of the toy constructionpieces from the assembled toy to transform the connected constructionpieces into the second toy form.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein thesecond toy construction piece defines a graspable portion, and furthercomprising: applying force to the graspable portion of the secondconstruction piece to move the transformation module to the firstposition; and moving at least one other construction piece about aconnection without removing any of the toy construction pieces from theassembled toy to transform the connected construction pieces into thefirst toy form.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein moving at least oneother toy construction piece about a joint comprises rotating the atleast one other toy construction piece about the joint.
 24. A toyconstruction set comprising: a plurality of temporarily and repeatablyinterconnectable toy construction pieces, the pieces being connectableto build a toy that reversibly transforms between a first toy form and asecond toy form, the first toy form defining a longitudinal axis in afirst plane and the second toy form defining a longitudinal axis in asecond plane that has a surface normal that is different from a surfacenormal of the first plane; and a bidirectional transformation modulehaving a plurality of connectors able to be temporarily and repeatablycoupled to one or more of the toy construction pieces, wherein thetransformation module is movable between a first stable equilibriumposition and a second stable equilibrium position through an unstableequilibrium position such that the transformation module holds the toyin the first toy form when in the first stable equilibrium position andholds the toy in the second toy form when in the second stableequilibrium position.